After short videos, Instagram adds messaging feature to appeal to its 200 million users.

Facebook-owned Instagram plans to take on photo messaging app Snapchat by bringing IM to the platform. Sources within the company have told Gigaom that the app will soon be launching a private instant messaging feature for its users.

According to sources, the feature is likely to be integrated into an update before the year end. Instagram may also enable group messaging, which the site is reportedly experimented with right now. The new messaging features could give Instagram a shot at competing apps like Snapchat.

Right now Instagram allows users to share 15-second videos as well as images. The new feature will bring it up to messaging app Snapchat which allows users to share self destructing videos and messages. Snapcat reportedly has declined a $3 Billion offer from Facebook. According to sources Facebook was planning to acquire Snapchat to add the company's technology to improve Instagram.

Instagram has recently launched its app in Beta for Windows Phone. Instagram allows you to apply filters on your pictures, browse through friends photos and even add 'Likes' and comments to images. However, the app was launched for the Windows Phone with some key features missing. The app doesn't allow you to click images from within the app, tag friends or video recording for now. The company stated in a blog post that they are still working on improving the app. The app can be downloaded for free from the Windows App Store.